DISTRIBUTION of free at-home COVID-19 tests return nationwide this September, according to the US government. Households will be able to order up to four at-home tests online in ongoing public health efforts as fall and winter respiratory virus season approaches. The federal government has also allocated over $62 million USD to state and local health authorities for purchasing updated COVID-19 vaccines, distributing to uninsured and underinsured populations. The updated COVID-19 vaccines, approved by the FDA in August 2024, were granted emergency use authorization and target the latest circulating variants.
Renewed access to free testing and vaccines is critical for managing patient care, particularly in vulnerable populations. The tests being distributed are capable of detecting currently circulating variants, which helps in early diagnosis and preventing the spread of the virus. Providers should encourage patients, especially those at higher risk, to utilize these resources as part of their broader health strategy.
COVID has been increasing over summer, with hospitalizations jumping from 1.1 per 100,000 people at the beginning of May, to 4.4 at the beginning of August. Mandy K. Cohen, Director for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stated that COVID-19 activity remains high; however, this has not yet translated into a significant rise in emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or deaths. The US may be nearing the peak of a summer surge, similar to last year. However, protection from prior vaccines and infections wanes over time, underscoring the need for updated vaccines and ongoing vigilance.
This initiative also includes patient support programs to ensure that treatments like nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir are accessible, particularly for Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured patients.
Reference: Reuters. US to offer free COVID tests in September as part of fall campaign. 2024. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-offer-free-covid-tests-nationwide-launch-awareness-campaign-2024-08-23/. Last accessed: September 3, 2024.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
